‘Creepy’ surgeon blamed Britain’s ‘open culture’ after pestering female colleagues – accused of ‘spying’ on one and telling another her LGBT lanyard was a ‘sin’

An Egypt-born surgeon who pestered two female colleagues for dates blamed Britain’s ‘open culture’ after they complained.

After being investigated by the General Medical Council, Dr Hosam Halim, 48, said he had felt isolated and lonely after seeing colleagues drinking in wine bars.

He was found guilty of serious professional misconduct, direct discrimination and sexual harassment. He has now been struck off.

The incidents took place between 2021 and 2022 when Dr Halim worked at three hospitals, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester heard.

The first victim, referred to as Ms E, was alone with Dr Halim at the Royal Free Hospital in north London when he grabbed her lanyard. 

Dr Hosam Halim blamed Britain’s ‘open culture’ for his actions

The first victim, referred to as Ms E, was alone with Dr Halim at the Royal Free Hospital in north London (pictured) when he grabbed her lanyard

She said he offered to take her out to drink wine and, when she turned down the invitation, he said he would take her for a coffee instead.

Dr Halim was said to have been ‘fascinated’ by her hair, describing it as like a ‘brush’ and wondering ‘what it felt like’. 

Branding him ‘creepy’, Ms E said his behaviour was ‘obviously unprofessional’.

The second victim, Ms G, was working at Ipswich Hospital in Suffolk when she was accosted by Dr Halim. 

‘He was following me from place to another, spying on my calls,’ she said.

A third colleague felt uncomfortable after she was confronted by Dr Halim in front of patients for wearing a rainbow LGBTQ+ lanyard. 

Dr Halim told her it was ‘a sin’ to wear it and ordered her to take it off.

When quizzed, the surgeon said he felt isolated and lonely and blamed the ‘open culture’ of British socialising habits.